Hunting for a Lunker

I frequently get asked this question:

What is your go-to lure for targeting big bass?

 

Well that question is an easy one for me. I use two bait styles 80% of the time. These baits are the Stanley original casting jig, and the Stanely ribbit/top toad. I use this combination starting in early spring when the water hits the 55 degree mark and all the way through the fall. These two bait styles are very versatile. You can use a jig in its conventional form, or you can swim it like a crankbait/spinnerbait, skim it across the surface like a frog, or you can hop it like a blade bait. This allows it to be used in all depths from 6 inches of water to the deepest depths you choose to fish. 

 

Fall Smallmouth on a Stanley Original Casting Jig

 

The frog style bait has some versatility as well. The Stanley ribit can be used as a buzzbait, a sub surface jerkbait in the shallows, and throwing it in the slop (as it was made for). The Stanley top toad is also a frog bait that floats. This makes it great for buzzing across the surface, and killing the bait dead in its tracks. This bait is truly a deadly presentation. This style bait does not have to be used strictly around thick mated weeds. I personally like to use them anywhere there is shallow water. I look for a depth range of 6 feet or less. There are those rare instances when vegetation will reach the surface in 10-15 foot range. Utilize the frog in this spot and you could land the biggest bass of your life.

5 lb Smallie - Hawgline Creature Bait

 

Until last year, these two baits were the only baits that I would rely on to put big fish in the boat. However I recently began working with a new soft plastic bait company that you probably have never heard of called Hawgline. The soft plastic bait brand will be released to the public within the next 6 months, and my suggestion is that you give them a try. I can confidentially say that last year I caught more big bass than in years past, and a big portion of that success was because of Hawgline and the baits that they had me demoing.

Preview

MORE FISH IN THE BOAT WITH POLARIZED

WHATS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR TACKLE?

I am not prepared to say that polarized sunglasses are the absolute most important piece of tackle, but plain and simple, polarized glasses will allow you to safely put more fish in the boat. Your comfort levels will increase dramatically, as will your eye protection, both from the damaging sun and from lure projectiles that have misfired. In my opinion, polarized glasses are just as important as a favorite lure or a high-tech reel, because without them my day on the water will never be as productive or as safe. That's the bottom line.

 
HOW DO THEY WORK?

I get this question constantly at seminars. My simplest explanation is to think about the last time you were on the water and the sun was beaming down, causing intense glare to resonate off of the waters surface. This ultimately makes vision difficult and uncomfortable. Polarized lenses work by blocking horizontal light that is being reflected towards your eyes. By taking away these light waves, any glare on the waters surface is also taken away. The result is a clear vision and the ability to see through the water column.

                                                 ALEX KOLODY ON POLARIZED GLASSES

WHAT TO BUY?

Do your homework. Quality and Lens color do make a difference. Yellow lenses tend to be good for low light conditions. Smoke grey lenses are the best all around color for sight fishing. Blue mirror lenses are made for offshore fishing. I choose high quality all the way with HaberVision shades.

For my loyal followers, HaberVision and I have set up a discount on their entire catalog. 

Use the affinity member code: bassman 
Code is good for a 55% discount or more
www.habervision.com

ICE FISHING SAFETY

ICE FISHING SAFETY

Do you have that ice-fishing itch?? With the cold weather and snow blanketing the Northeast, Ice-fishing is on everyone’s minds.

Fishing through the ice requires skill and knowledge. But, anyone can ice fish successfully if he/she does their homework. Learning about the water to be fished, the equipment and its capabilities, proper clothing and safety precautions are all part of a successful, enjoyable winter fishing experience.

Here are a few safety tips for your upcoming ice outing…

• Go with a buddy if at all possible!
• Walk single file
• Carry a length of rope
• Ice spikes can be a lifesaver
• Always avoid spots that look slushy

AQUA VU - MICRO II

I get this question every year…

How do you know when the ice is safe?

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says that there really is no sure answer. You can't judge the strength of ice just by its appearance, age, thickness, temperature, or whether or not the ice is covered with snow. Strength is based on all these factors -- plus the depth of water under the ice, size of the water body, water chemistry and currents, the distribution of the load on the ice, and local climatic conditions.

5 inches of ice is what I look for. 5 inches of ice will support a small group of people walking single file.This guide is based on clear, blue, hard ice on non-running waters. Slush ice is about 50 percent weaker and should be avoided at all cost. The heavy snow the Northeast is seeing can cover up open holes making walking on the ice extremely dangerous at times. Safety should be your number one priority whenever making a trip out onto the ice!

As always…keep those lines tight and hook sets are free! -AK

RAPSODY RODS

I am very excited to start a great working relationship with Rapsody Rods. I have always been a fan of the company and they have stepped up to the plate and offered me a deal that I couldn't refuse. Rapsody is known for quality and dependability. Every Rapsody fishing rod is the product of passionate engineering, strict adherence to specifications, and hand crafted quality.

http://rapsodyfishing.com